Posts Tagged ‘sorority’

The colors of green and white are familiar to the Boston area, donning the jerseys of the Boston Celtics, and the newest shades of olive green and pearl white being worn to represent the university’s newest sorority, the Eta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta.

Less than a year ago, the Greek organization was brought to the university with much enthusiasm, and 60 women quickly joined to help start the group. Now, with a new pledge class of 23, one more than the quota, the sorority has evolved into a complete, traditional sorority.

“Going through recruitment and getting quota plus one for a brand new sorority was quite an achievement for us,” said Vice President of Standards Sophia Neuhaus.

They have already helped host events like participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk as well as other fundraisers and socials with fraternities. They are also working on getting to know other sororities on campus, she said.

“A lot of the frats have been great to welcoming us and asking to do socials with them,” Neuhaus said. “As for the sororities, we’re still trying to get to know them. We’re trying to branch out and get to know them as best we can and do activities here and there and participate in everything they are to become part of the campus.”

By being able to establish the chapter, Neuhaus said the group was able to shape the chapter into what was wanted, focusing on big events and volunteer work.

“We can make it into whatever we want it to be,” the middler marketing major said. “I’m glad I started in a sorority that is brand new. A lot of people think we’re at a disadvantage because we’re new, but we’ve done everything expected and beyond.”

This sentiment is reflected in the new pledge class, freshman journalism major and Kappa Delta member Emma Poppe said.

“I feel like [the older girls] have done an outstanding job with planning and filling out the chapter in the first year,”she said. “I feel like I have a bigger chance to make a difference and help build a chapter on campus … We have a chance to make a name for ourselves.”

Also, this semester involvement from the sororities national headquarters has declined. When the sorority was first established at the university, two chapter development consultants came to help establish the group, and their visits are becoming less frequent. However, the girls have a Chapter Advisory Board of local Kappa Delta alumni to help out when needed, Neuhaus said.

“Most sororities have the seniors to help you through, and the Chapter Advisory Board does that for us, helping with traditions and that kind of stuff,” she said.

Though they do not have seniors or veterans of the sorority, they have established councils as well as leadership positions. This, however, does not take away from the group dynamic Poppe said.

“The council has a lot of responsibility,” Poppe said. “They’re doing their jobs, but are my sisters no matter what.”

While better establishing the chapter, the sorority has donated its time and money to help host events as well as volunteer locally, like at Birthday Wishes in Boston, which helps provide birthday parties for homeless children in shelters.

Currently, they are planning for the year’s largest event, the Shamrock and Roll. Each chapter hosts a shamrock event, ranging from 5k runs to dances. The Eta Kappa chapter is planning for a university wide talent show and is currently contacting other student groups to gain support. All proceeds will be going to Rosie’s Place, a Boston social service for homeless women.

Through events like these, the group demonstrates it’s progress and growth, Neuhaus said.

“We’ve come a long way,” Neuhaus said. “Now we have a fully functioning chapter, we’re doing full Kappa Delta events that we aren’t even expected to be doing yet. Compared to last year, everything has changed.”